This week, we’re handing the blog over to J. Murphy & Sons, who, as well as being IOSH accredited for its in-house, targeted cultural development course, has also been recognised as a Gold standard organisation by Investors in People and Celebrated as the Best Big Company to Work for 2023 at the Best Company Awards.
Read below to hear more from Mark Williams about the infrastructure specialists’ commitment to sustainability, community development and reaching Net Zero by 2030.
About J. Murphy & Sons
Murphy is a leading international, multi-disciplined engineering and construction company founded in 1951 that improves life by delivering world-class infrastructure.
Operating in the United Kingdom, Ireland and North America, Murphy provides better engineered solutions to infrastructure sectors including transportation, water, power and natural resources. We also have a number of related businesses – Ground Engineering; Utility Connections; Murphy Plant; Murphy Process Engineering; Pipeline Testing Services; Specialist Welding Services; and Electrical Services.
Murphy is a specialist in delivering pipelines, design, structural steel, tunnelling, fabrication, bridges and piling, and has a substantial holding of plant, equipment and facilities. The business employs more than 4,000 engineers, professional managers and skilled operatives around the world, and together, we work as ‘One Murphy’ by directly delivering the people, plant and expertise needed to make projects a success.
Murphy has rapidly evolved in the local area, focusing on setting up their new Project office in Alness and strong local stakeholder engagement. Understanding the community’s perspective, especially in the Highlands, has been key. We are continually focused on ensuring project benefits, like job creation, labour migration, skills transition and local supply chain opportunities are enabled locally.
Meet Mark Williams, Senior Project Manager
As a Senior Project Manager at Murphy, I am dedicated to strategic project leadership and excel in propelling teams towards outstanding achievements, with safety as a cornerstone of my approach. My 25-year tenure in the Oil & Gas sector has equipped me with extensive experience in delivering complex projects successfully.
In my current capacity, I am leading the transmission grid upgrade on behalf of SSEN between Loch Buidhe to Spittal under the Accelerated Strategic Transmission Investment (ASTI) project. Delivering this scope is critical for the UK Government’s offshore wind and energy targets and net zero ambitions. At the heart of this project is the commitment to ensure we deliver in line with Murphy’s strategic goals and ASTI Project Commitments.
I take pride in crafting and implementing detailed project management plans, adeptly handling risks, and forging solid relationships with stakeholders. My responsibility extends to guaranteeing that project outcomes adhere to stringent quality, budget, and timeline requirements.
Outside the professional responsibilities, I am a qualified UAV pilot with a passion for the great outdoors, enjoying activities like hillwalking and open water swimming.
Murphy’s role in the Accelerated Strategic Transmission Investment (ASTI) project
Our participation in the ASTI programme is geared towards accelerating the transition to sustainable energy in line with government targets. Murphy’s involvement demonstrates our expertise in delivering large-scale and complex projects which aims to significantly upgrade the electricity transmission network across the north of Scotland.
It’s a substantial undertaking that will play a strategic role in supporting the delivery of the UK and Scotland’s ambitious net zero goals.
As we approach the 2030 deadline, we are keen to showcase our strategic and operational excellence in this project, highlighting how our work aids in the integration of renewable energy sources, thus ensuring energy security, and supporting economic growth in the region. Promotion of Murphy’s role in the ASTI programme would not only reiterate our position as a leading contractor in the energy sector but also serve as a commitment to sustainability and community development. This is aligned with our broader mission to deliver innovative and sustainable solutions in infrastructure across the UK.
What the Future Holds
Over the coming 12 months, our focus will be on advancing the ASTI project in alignment with the anticipated planning timelines. We will concentrate on completing detailed designs and conducting necessary survey works to ensure all planning prerequisites are thoroughly understood and addressed.
Concurrently, we will intensify our community engagement efforts, maintaining transparency and collaboration to ensure that the project not only meets technical and regulatory standards but also aligns with local interests and needs should it go ahead.
Having recently joined the Chamber, we look forward to taking advantage of networking opportunities, enhancing our local presence, and connecting with potential suppliers and other businesses. The Chamber can also offer us support for local growth and exposure to the latest industry trends, as well as advocating for pro-business policies, giving members a collective voice in local government. This is important to us as we continue to establish ourselves locally in support of the ASTI programme.
We would encourage other businesses to get involved, attend events to expand your network and to use the tools and services within the Chamber to support your ideas. Offer to host an event, speak at others, and raise your profile.
Being Member of the Week presents a great opportunity for us to showcase our commitment to excellence in the infrastructure sector. It’s a chance to highlight Murphy’s innovative strategies, our projects like ASTI, and how these contribute significantly to regional development and the national energy transition. It’s not just about the company; it’s about the people and communities we impact. We want to cast a spotlight on the tangible benefits we’re introducing, from job creation to skill development in the Highlands, enhancing our role as a key player in shaping a sustainable future.
To find out more about J. Murphy & Sons, visit their website here.